GUELPH – Innovation Guelph and its partners are hosting their eighth annual event for International Women’s Day on March 5.
Formerly known as Ignite.Empower.Innovate, the event will be held at the Grand Guelph in collaboration with other Guelph-based business and women’s organizations, and presented by title sponsor Miller Thomson.
The celebration’s focus has moved from supporting Innovation Guelph’s Rhyze program to celebrating all women.
The event will now be known as International Women’s Day Guelph Wellington and will be tagged in social media with the hashtag #IWDGW.
While women have come a long way since the first International Women’s Day over 100 years ago, organizers say there is still more to be done.
Inherent vulnerabilities continue to affect the lives of women of all ages who deserve to feel safe within their environments, they said, identifying issues such as inclusivity, safety, courage, truth and acceptance.
“I’m proud that this event has continuously improved and evolved to reflect our community’s commitment to advancing women,” said Kristel Manes, event co-chair.
“This year’s theme, Keep Our Sisters Safe, is so fitting as it addresses some of women’s inherent vulnerabilities. Giving back to the community is our responsibility and our privilege.”
This year’s speaker, Pamela Barnum, using real-world strategies she gained working as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney, will help attendees crack the code on deception and increase trust using proven non-verbal techniques.
Barnum is a well-known speaker and TEDx Talk participant whose keynote is called Trust Starts with You.
“As has been our practice in previous years, proceeds from this event go toward supporting women in Guelph-Wellington,” said Diana Train, event co-chair.
“This year we are pleased to announce proceeds will be directed to the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph’s Safe Sisters program, a weekly drop-in program for girls in Grades 7 and 8.”
A vendor marketplace featuring local female entrepreneurs with a variety of unique and innovative products and services begins at 4pm, dinner is at 6pm and the keynote speech is at 7:30 pm.
To learn more about this event contact Diana Train, event and facility manager, Innovation Guelph 519-265-4495 ext. 101, or Diana.Train@innovationguelph.ca.
